Lack of consensus in MoD grounds Navy”s acquisition of 111 copters for now

2 weeks ago

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With Ministry of Defence unable to decide on who would be the Indian partner — a private company or a Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) — Indian Navy”s acquisition of 111 helicopters under the strategic partnership model remains grounded for now.

The acquisition, estimated to be worth Rs 21,738 crore, of Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) is the first one being processed under the new Strategic Partner procurement model. It is aimed to boost domestic manufacturing in collaboration with foreign firms.

Earlier, Indian Navy had shortlisted three foreign and four private Indian companies. But now discussion over making state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) the strategic partner has delayed the entire acquisition process.

“There is a lack of consensus within the Ministry of Defence as to whether Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) should be made the strategic partner or private firms,” said a source in the ministry.

This has further delayed the issuance of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Naval Utility Helicopters.

In 2019-end, the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Sigh was expected to give a final clearance next week for the Request of Proposal (RFP) after having identified the Indian firms and foreign manufacturers who will get together for the production of the helicopters.

But it did not happen and the matter was referred back to Indian Navy to consider the proposal of involving Defence PSUs.